DUCHESS 25 Getting fed up because Marcus did not respond at all and that I know at this point that he was only pretending to be sick, by the end of the week, I decided to visit his lodging place. In disguise of course and o rode with a horse rather than with a carriage. Carriages travel a bit slower than a horse, and speed and time is of the essence at this point. His lodging was near the border of the Dukedom of Fortess and of the Royal Capital so visiting there would not be an issue of identification. I can just strode in the lodging inn and ask for his name, presenting myself as a companion of his. It is a benefit that I have yet to have an official and formal debut to the citizens of the Kingdom of Sagareste, or else a huge commotion would occur inside the inn of this couple once they knew that they were casually talking to the Fortess Duchess herself. “Oh, you are a friend of Mr. Zoldago? Mhm, you are the tenth one to ask about him this week, and as we have told all of them be
DUCHESS 26 It seemed that the smell of the delicious porridge wafting through the air was able to attract the very tired businessman from the mattress and closer to the table. Since I have already been eating, I also took the time to get him his utensils with mine and when he sat with me at the table, his bowl and spoon were already there, filled with the portion of the porridge. He stared at the bowl for a moment, then he looked at me and stared for a long time. His gazes were something along the lines of ‘are you real?’ or ‘is this real?’ and he continued to do so with a raised brow. I sighed at this and looked at him dead in the eye then said, “Stop staring at me and just eat your fill. You are just hungry, that is why you are so grumpy right now.” With that said, I stopped caring if he is still staring or not, I just ate more of the porridge as it was so good. I even hummed in satisfaction as I ate the last spoonful of it in my bowl. When I looked back at Marcus, he was also e
DUCHESS 27 Doubting that the businessman will ever be visiting me today, I decided to just retire early for the night. I did wake up early for the day--- just to personally visit Marcus--- after all. I at least deserve a long rest. Standing up from my seat, I stretched right on the spot, popping a few joints and reviving the sleeping muscles in my body that has fallen asleep as I sat down for quite a long time. ‘Right, on to my bed now.’ I said to myself internally as I walked towards the office door. However, as I opened the door, my stomach began growling so loud, it echoed a bit in the hallway and the sounds even vibrated in the inside of the office. Was I that hungry? “Maybe I should eat before going to bed.” I said to myself and began heading towards the dining room. Or maybe I should go straight to the kitchen and eat there. Yes, do the latter, much better. I then began heading towards the kitchen. As I crept closer towards the said area, I started to smell various thing
DUCHESS 28 Once I had my meal and was ready to retire for the day, my eyes immediately closed, my eyelids were too much heavy for me to lift and stay awake that I immediately went into a deep and dreamless slumber. I only realised that I had fallen asleep the next day. When the sun rays were shining through the gaps of the curtains of my window. By how the curtains are slowly being swayed by the wind, it must have been opened by either Nikos or Yuri when they entered my room to check up on me. ‘Hmm, I guess it is already late in the morning then.’ I thought to myself as I stood up from the bed and stretched a bit. Hearing a few joints pop, I sighed in relief and went out of the comforts of my bed. I noticed that in my chair was already a dress prepared for me, as well as the bath has already been prepared as well. I smiled at this, and then proceeded to take a bath and dress up. After that, I headed towards my office, having a hunch that they would serve my breakfast--- or lunch?-
DUCHESS 29 Surprisingly, the construction of the candle factory only took two weeks for completion. Even the interior design and instalments were already there and it was according to what I wanted and how it should be. What I loved about the candle factory the most was the stone stove installed inside. It was a fully furnished marble with a rack for woods beside it. The stocking of the fire was covered so there is a less danger and hazard when melting the beeswax as well as mixing other things. There is also a place that is placed beside the stove. It is another kind of stove, but a long rectangular one with containers on top of it. There are a total of four containers and each can be filled with melted beeswax. The stove under it is also useful since the candle and beeswax can be melted from there on--- no need to worry about unnecessary drippings or whatnot, everything is about convenience. The drying place is also ready as well as a big counter table wher
DUCHESS 30 A week later, the equipment inside the storage room near the kitchen has been emptied out. The storage room itself has been emptied out as they are all moved to the small factory near the market place. Once I have heard that the moving of all the equipment as well as the tools and materials were done, I immediately got dressed and went out to go to the small factory. Yuri and Nikos were also in a hurry to accompany me, but I told them that it was fine and that I can manage myself. “I will be out for a moment, there is really no need to accompany me.” Was what I said, but turns out, nothing goes as planned. Before I knew it, it was already high in the afternoon and I was so immersed in making candles that I never noticed the time. The excitement of making candles in a real and organised factory overwhelmed me that I only noticed I was already making candles when a knock came from the doors. “Milady, it is me, Nikos. I have come to bring you some tea and snacks.” The voice
DUCHESS 31 On our way home, Nikos and I were conversing inside the carriage. Mostly me relying on what he should do once we arrive at the estate. Things must be detailed and precise so as to not waste time nor bother anyone else in the process. “Now, remember, pick only those you know that really have a light hand, and those who are quick to learn. That way, I can ensure that everything will go smoothly in our plans.” I said with authority and full confidence. Nikos nodded in understanding. “Milady, may I suggest that I also recommend those who are new in the estate? They have yet to learn things after all, and they are fairly young so they are sure quick to learn quickly.” Weighing on Nikos’ suggestion, it is a good recommendation to have those that Nikos described. ‘Wait? Do we have new employees? We are barely getting by…’ the thought crossed my mind and I guess that it was evident on my face as Nikos explained the situation quickly. “Oh, Milady. No, we are not recruiting new em
DUCHESS 32 The training of the new recruit: Helio, and with the inclusion of Olivia--- she insisted that she be included as an employee in my factory, giving the reason that she wants to earn money even though she has a farm for that--- but I indulged the request of the girl, as a way to appreciate her and also to pay back Marcus’ help… somehow. Nonetheless, the two new employees are learning at a fast pace and by the first week of their training, they have mastered how to make a few batches of drip candles. I can still remember how happy they were when they saw the final products. “How will you sell this? They are not that appealing to a noble at all.” Olivia pointed out, looking at the simple and unscented bundle of candles in front of her. She does have a fair point, such a plain thing would not be appealing to the nobles, “But it would certainly be appealing to the servants and the commoners.” I replied, also doing some drip candles beside them. Looking at me with confused f